I Am Big Bird

Area Theatrical Premiere May 15–18

(2014) dir Dave LaMattina, Chad N. Walker w/Caroll Spinney, Frank Oz, Jim Henson [90 min; DCP]
This heartwarming doc chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the man who has been Sesame Street‘s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969. For over 4 decades, Caroll’s characters have been cherished by generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I AM BIG BIRD features incredible footage of Spinney’s earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll’s journey from bullied child to celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.